'97 - 25hp - 2 stroke, should I remove the home made air filter?

I just bought this boat recently and am still learning it's quirks. Last time out my motor quit on me. At home first thing I did was pull the plugs, they were black and wet so I cleaned them and started the motor. It ran for a few seconds then quit. I squeezed the fuel bulb and fuel shot straight up out of the fuel filter. Problem found -- broken fuel filter, it fell apart when I jiggled it (it had broken and someone melted black plastic over it as a temporary fix). Then I noticed the home-made air filter... two pieces of aluminum flashing with an foam air filter sandwiched between them. The rear piece has a hole cut out for the intake. Since these motors aren't designed to be run with air filters could this make my motor run rich? Should I remove the filter? The hood thing or whatever normally goes over the intake isn't listed in the parts manual but I could probably construct something if I knew what it looked like.

Related question... when I order the new fuel filter cap, should I also order a new o-ring and new screen? The ones on there look okay.

Re: '97 - 25hp - 2 stroke, should I remove the home made air filter?

I suppose as long as you stay off of dusty lakes it would be a good idea to remove the air filter. Might just get better breathing, too.

Re: '97 - 25hp - 2 stroke, should I remove the home made air filter?

What should I replace it with?

Re: '97 - 25hp - 2 stroke, should I remove the home made air filter?

the motor was designed with out an air silencer. just take it off. yes it can restrict air flow.

Re: '97 - 25hp - 2 stroke, should I remove the home made air filter?

off it comes then